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Introduction and Objectives: Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae). This virus is the focus of an ongoing pandemic and public health emergency in the world. This emerging virus has a medical importance since it is mainly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito mainly of Aedes (Ae.) species, especially Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus. However, information about the role of other species in driving and maintaining ZIKV transmission is lacking. In Tunisia, Ae.aegypti has not been identified since it's extinction in 1960, whereas Ae. albopictus has never been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vector competence and to assess the potential role in ZIKV transmission of three species: Ochlerotatuscaspius and O. detritus from Tunisia, and Ae.albopictus from Lebanon. Material and Methods: Larval mosquito populations of O. caspius and O. detritus were collected from different sites in Tunisia during the spring and summer 2017 and eggs of Ae. albopictus were collected in Lebanon during spring 2017. All of the three populations were reared to the adult stage under insectary conditions (26± 1°C, 12 h: 12h light: dark cycle and 70 ± 10% humidity). Females were experimentally infected with Asian strain of ZIKV. At several days post-infection (7-14-21 days), saliva was collected from each mosquito and inoculated into C6/36 mosquito cells to check for the presence of ZIKV infectious particles. Results and Conclusions: Our results show that at day 14, there was a very important mortality of mosquitoes and that both of Tunisian tested species were not able to transmit the virus through saliva. In the contrary, by day 21, Ae. albopictus were potentially infectious and 16, 7% of these mosquitoes have ZIKV in their saliva. Thus, O. caspius and O. detritus tested from Tunisia seem to be not efficient experimental vectors of ZIKV. On the other hand, this study showed that Ae.albopictus from Lebanon is a competent ZIKV vector. However, others experimental studies should be carried to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study conducted in Morocco focused on addressing the challenges posed by canine parvovirus (CPV-2) through comprehensive research, vaccine development, and efficacy assessment. Through real-time PCR screening and genotyping, CPV-2 variants were identified circulating in the region. An inactivated vaccine, derived from a CPV-2 strain isolated from a symptomatic dog, was produced and evaluated for safety and efficacy. The vaccine, from the strain named "CaPV M/3-2022", demonstrated safety in vaccinated puppies, with no adverse reactions observed during the trial period. Efficacy trials showed that vaccinated puppies remained healthy and exhibited lower viral excretion post-challenge compared to unvaccinated controls. These results indicate that the vaccine effectively protects against illness related to CPV-2 and reduces viral shedding. The study provides valuable insights into CPV-2 epidemiology in Morocco, offers a promising vaccine solution, and underscores the importance of vaccination in controlling CPV-2 outbreaks and protecting canine health.

The tiger mosquito was introduced to the Eastern region of the Mediterranean basin more than twenty years ago. In Lebanon, it was first observed in 2002 in a limited number of locations mainly from the coastal area of the country. In the absence of national entomological control program, this invasive mosquito became an established species and is now considered in many localities, a source of nuisance because of its human biting behavior. Several entomological surveys were conducted to monitor the geographic spread and the seasonal dynamics of Aedes albopictus by collecting adult stages and by monitoring oviposition activity. Moreover, its susceptibility to the common groups of insecticides was assessed using WHO standard bioassays. Previous vector competence studies revealed that local strains were able to transmit Chikungunya and Dengue viruses. Due to the increased risk of Zika virus introduction in the country, we determined the competence of local populations to transmit this virus. Mapping results showed that Ae. albopictus is mainly spread in the relatively humid western versant of the Mount Lebanon chain reaching 1000m altitude, while it is absent from arid and semi-arid inland areas. Besides, this mosquito is active during 32 weeks from spring till the end of autumn. Local strains of the tiger mosquito are susceptible to pyrethroids and carbamates but resistant to organophosphates and organochlorines. They showed ability to transmit Zika virus; however, only 9% of females were capable to excrete the virus in their saliva at day 28 post infection. Current and previous observations highlight the need to establish a surveillance system in order to control this mosquito and monitor the potential introduction of related diseases., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This study reports the first equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4) seroprevalence investigation in horse populations of Morocco in 24 years. It also aims to determine antibody titers in horses vaccinated under field conditions with a monovalent EHV-1 vaccine. Blood samples were collected from 405 horses, including 163 unvaccinated and 242 vaccinated animals. They were tested using a commercial type-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a virus neutralization test (VNT). Overall, 12.8% unvaccinated, and 21.8% vaccinated horses were positive for EHV-1. All samples were positive for EHV-4 when tested with the type-specific ELISA. In the vaccinated group, the VNT revealed a mean antibody titer of 1:49 for EHV-1 and 1:45 for EHV-4. The present study demonstrates that EHV-1 and EHV-4 are endemic in the horse populations in the north of Morocco, with prevalence differences between regions. Furthermore, horses vaccinated with a monovalent EHV-1 vaccine had low antibodies titers. This study highlights the necessity to establish and/or support efficient biosecurity strategies based on sound management of horses and characterize further and potentially improve the efficiency of the EHV vaccines and vaccination protocol used in the field.